Nothing is impossible in 2014

  I love that time of year when everything slows down a little after Christmas, leaving us with a week of enjoying the decorations and lights and gathering with family and friends. It can often be a time of reflection, of the year coming to a close and the promise of a new year on the horizon. Some see this as a clean slate, and a refreshed feeling comes over them. Others see it as the time to make resolutions, promises to themselves to be better. To do better. To live better.

"I resolve to....." they say. Thinking out loud in list form, all of the things that they want to change in the new year. I see nothing wrong with this. Even with lifes obstacles, it's always a good feeling to know that we can become a new version, better than before.  

But, I want to say that I think we're often too hard on ourselves.

You can't climb a mountain, you say? That's okay. How about just going for a walk first. A brisk walk where you can clear your head, breathe in the fresh air, and get the muscles moving.

You can't quit the job that you don't enjoy because you have bills to pay and jobs are scarce these days, you say? That's okay. You can pick a few things that make you dislike your job, and attempt to change them for the better. I know this is easier said than done, but it's worth a try, isn't it? Beyond that, keep your eyes open for new positions that might open in the field that you actually want to work in. Then, of course, be brave. Submit your resume. Try. You lose nothing when you try.

You can't travel to far off countries like you've always dreamed about, you say? Because it's expensive, right? I hear you, believe me. So try to put just a little bit of money away each payday. Even if the amount is tiny, it does grow over time. Eventually you may be standing under the Eiffel Tower, looking up at that glorious "tallest structure in Paris".

Nothing is impossible.

Just be kind to yourself. You first, then let the kindness overflow to friends, family and even strangers. Relax. Take a nap! Read a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Go swimming in the summer and camping in the fall. (if you enjoy that of course).

I know people that run on full cylinder every waking hour of the day. It's hard for them to unwind, or slow down, or relax. I myself would recommend yoga, but I know it's not for everyone. Have you tried it? Get a mat, put on comfortable workout clothes, stretch, breathe....give it a go. You may be surprised at how wonderful you feel after a yoga session. And the great part of this is, you can do it at home if you don't want to go to a structured class. Try.

I'll be spending the remaining days of 2013 in the Music City with my family. Nashville is beautiful any time of the year, but especially around the holidays. The last time I was there, (2012)  I ran into the King of Rock 'n Roll, maybe I will again!

I hope that wherever you may be when 2014 arrives, that you are safe and happy, surrounded by loved ones or friends.

Best wishes for the New Year friend, it's going to be a good one!

See you soon,
Tiffany

PS For the latest recipe I tried for Breakfast at Tiffany's, go here: http://www.cookincanuck.com/2012/10/baked-egg-breakfast-casserole-with-mushrooms-spinach-salsa-recipe/

A Breakfast Strata so delicious it melts in your mouth!

"I played my best for him...."

At my last update I talked about a friend who became very ill. I'm sadly reporting that she is no longer with us, but in a much better place, so there's comfort in that. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

I realized recently that sometimes my want to post in here is few and far between, and other times I have something to say every day. Inspiration can come from the smallest source, or on a larger scale. Then, at times, not at all.

In listening to the Pentatonix version of the Little Drummer Boy, I was reminded of how I feel sometimes.
"I have no gifts to bring" (pa rum pum pum pum)
I want to at least bring a gift if I'm going to share with you, it's the neighborly thing to do. I'm sure we all have days where we feel like we have no gifts to bring.

I've always said that some of my most favorite gifts I've received are not the kind that I can hold in my hand, but more of a gift of talent or sharing of ones life stories. A song, a guitar playing melody, a poem or haiku that someone wrote, someones fingers dancing over piano keys as if they were born to play. Or....a drummer maybe?

"Shall I play for you? pa rum pum pum pum....."

Most of the time we have to pay to hear someone play, you know, a concert or a symphony, or even a small gathering at the beach (which is way cool I might add). Or,  you can walk the streets of New Orleans and hear jazz like none other, and it's up to you if you would like to contribute to the hat or box they've placed in front of them. New Orleans is on the rise, but these people are poor for the most part. Yet every day, they get out there and play their best. There's no guarantee they will get any money at all, it's completely up to the generosity of strangers.

"I played my best for him...pa rum pum pum"

The Little Drummer Boy felt that he should say, that he was a poor boy too. The best connections I've found with people are the ones where we find common ground.

"Then, he smiled at me pa rum pum pum.....me and my drum"

If we can make anyone smile, with our talents, or sharing of stories, if only for a moment, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Aren't those the important and most cherished gifts?

I was worried that the Christmas Spirit would find me later than usual this year, but it didn't. I decorated the tree and scattered twinkling lights throughout the house, and listened to some of my favorite Christmas music. These small details bring a lot of happy for me, so am now enjoying this 2013 holiday season so far, and it's only December 2nd!
I am wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season, and best wishes for the New Year.
See you soon friend,
Tiffany
PS I'm learning how to make Challah Bread, so Breakfast at Tiffany's has smelled heavenly of late. Try it!